Chapter 71: Captain and First Mate
"...What kind of act are you putting on this time?"
"Holy shit, who's talking?"
"If you keep saying things like that, don't even think about setting foot in Montelli again, okay?"
"...."
Carlotta watched Aeron struggling in Rover's arms and his bizarre outfit, barely managing to keep a straight face.
"So which of you is going to explain this?"
Meanwhile, Rover had clearly already figured out how to explain the current situation.
"Found him on the road."
"Could you please stop selecting the third dialogue option?"
Finally freeing himself from the Rover's embrace, Aeron found Carlotta staring at him with the same expression one might reserve for soggy trash.
"So," Carlotta crossed her arms, her pale eyes shifting between the disheveled Aeron and the Rover who wore an expression of complete detachment.
"You might not believe this, Second Young Lady, but I really was preparing for Carnevale this time."
"..."
Well, it seemed Carlotta wasn't going to buy Aeron's excuses anymore.
"Carlotta, I'll explain everything later. Aren't there more important matters to attend to now?"
"Don't worry, I haven't forgotten. I'm just concerned about this guy damaging Montelli's reputation by being here."
"Fisalia doesn't care about that sort of thing, Second Young Lady."
"You have the nerve to bring that up?"
This time it was Aeron's turn to fall silent.
Sigh. Why was it only when refuting Aeron that these people could suddenly reach consensus?
Ahem, never mind that for now, Second Young Lady. What was Rover saying about more important matters?"
"And what's with that weird form of address..."
Setting aside the internal commentary for the moment, Carlotta rubbed her temples and decided to focus on business. Turning to the Rover, her tone returned to its usual demeanor.
"Simply put, after making a special trip to Penitent's End, the Rover brought back some... reinforcements."
Hearing Carlotta's words, the Rover nodded, then concisely recounted her experiences at Penitent's End.
Originally, the Rover had gone to Penitent's End at Phoebe's request to search for Aeron. But upon arrival, she happened to encounter the "Fool's Troupe" who were there to meet the Pilgrimage Ship.
Using the massive caverns of Penitent's End as their base, this acting troupe—led by a young director and his petite assistant, with members mostly composed of Echoes—specializes in touring the archipelago with improvised comedic performances. Their signature activity involves competing for laurels through Carnevale performances to spread "the fools' truth."
After the Rover explained Ragunna's current situation, they became equally interested in this Carnevale. Thus, the director and his assistant arrived at Montelli tonight.
"...I see."
After listening to the Rover's account, Carlotta lowered her head in deep thought while Aeron began sweating slightly.
"...Why did you say you went to Penitent's End again?"
He asked the Rover, his voice trembling slightly.
"To check if a certain exiled clergyman had actually become ancient dragon food," the Rover replied flatly, glancing at Aeron. "Seems it was a wasted trip."
"...Sorry."
As soon as Aeron finished speaking, the door to the reception room was pushed open. A young man wearing an exquisite top hat and a lavish performance outfit leaned against the doorframe, a theatrical, radiant smile on his face as he spoke in a cheerful voice.
"Well, look who it is! I never would've guessed—not only did you leave the Order, but you've also managed to cozy up to Montelli's second daughter!"
As he spoke, the young man lifted his head, his eyes beneath the brim of his hat glancing at Aeron.
"...Your look is quite unique, I must say."
"You've got some nerve criticizing me when you're dressed like that?"
Aeron shot a glance at Brant's flamboyant captain's attire. "How come the dampness of Penitent's End hasn't made you moldy?"
"Thank you for your concern—the preservation process is top-notch."
Brant gracefully spun around before turning his gaze to Carlotta.
"You must be Montelli's new representative. Brant, leader of the Fool's Troupe, offers you my most sincere respects."
After that, he glanced sideways at Aeron.
"I hear this friend of yours has been keeping quite busy under your care?"
"He's currently... a guest of Montelli."
Carlotta deliberately avoided using the term "Fisalia's son-in-law." The situation was already chaotic enough; there was no need to add to the mess.
"A guest, you say?"
Brant raised an eyebrow, walked over to Aeron, and gave him a playful shove.
"Not bad, kid. Going solo and pulling off something this big?"
"I'm here on serious business, alright?"
"Though it might not be my place to say, showing up like this in the middle of the night and claiming to be on serious business isn't very convincing, is it?"
Brant spread his hands dramatically, his tone turning slightly more serious.
"You weren't like this back when you secretly passed Pilgrimage Ship intel to the troupe for extra cash while you were in the Order."
"Hah, you're overestimating yourself, Brant. I was just accumulating merits, that's all."
Their unrestrained banter made Carlotta's eye twitch slightly, while the Rover stood by with arms crossed, watching expressionlessly.
Seriously, aren't these two a bit too close?
Just as the two were bickering, a petite figure quietly peeked out from behind Brant. Roccia was holding onto an ornately decorated suitcase almost half her size, her gaze firmly fixed on Aeron, who was passionately trading barbs with Brant.
"Mr. Aeron..." Roccia's voice was soft, instantly cutting off Aeron's exchange with Brant.
"Ah, good evening, Roccia," Aeron said, flustered as he pushed Brant's face away. "Long time no see."
Roccia didn't respond. Instead, clutching her oversized suitcase, she walked over to Aeron in a few steps, looked up at him carefully, and then reached out with her free hand to gently brush the dust off his shoulders. Standing on her tiptoes, she carefully smoothed a few stray strands of hair on his forehead.
"You're dirty."
"Uh... had a bit of an accident on the way here." Aeron gave an awkward laugh, feeling slightly uncomfortable but standing still, letting her tidy him up.
Without turning her head, Roccia pulled a handkerchief from her suitcase and continued intently wiping a smudge of grime from Aeron's cheek. "Next time, be more careful."
"Will do, will do."
Aeron raised his hand, about to habitually pat Roccia's head, but the two piercing gazes from behind—like those fixed on a criminal—made him stop.
"..." The Rover crossed their arms and commented, "Quite popular, aren't you?"
"You really attract kids like this..." Carlota's face darkened.
"Enough, let's end the reminiscing here." Carlotta forcibly cut through the increasingly derailed atmosphere, turning to Brant and striving to steer the conversation back on track. "Captain Brant, the Rover has explained the situation. Has the Fool's Troupe come this time to participate in the Carnevale and collaborate with Montelli?"
"Of course!" Brant instantly switched back into his elegant troupe leader persona, performing an exaggerated chest-bow. "It is our duty as Fools to add splendor to Ragunna's grand event and unveil the hidden truths. Moreover—" He winked mischievously at Aeron, "we get to catch up with an old friend."
"What about the troupe?" Aeron asked.
The Rover nodded. "The troupe members will remain behind for now as backup. Captain Brant and Miss Roccia have come ahead to familiarize themselves with the situation and prepare for the 'performance.'"
"Understood."
Carlotta took a deep breath and glanced at the group before her.
The Blessed Maiden, Fisalia, and now the Fool's Troupe... This eclectic assembly of individuals, brought together by Aeron, drew Carlotta's gaze to the instigator himself. A relieved smile touched her lips.
"Though it's not the first time, I have to admit—you really do have a knack for this."
"The stage is vast, so naturally, it requires a full cast."
Aeron brushed the tattered clothes he wore, replying to Carlotta with composure.
Now that all the actors were in place, all that remained was to prepare for the curtain to rise.
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